Manchester United will be without Edinson Cavani for their next three games after he decided not to contest a Football Association charge over his use of a racial term on social media.
The 33-year-old has also been fined £100,000 after pleading guilty to using insulting and/or improper words.
The Uruguayan used the word ‘negrito’ in an Instagram post last month after scoring two goals to help United come from behind to win 3-2 at Southampton on November 29.
Cavani subsequently deleted the post and apologised when told what the Spanish meaning translates to into English.
As a result of the outcome, the Red Devils’ summer signing will miss Friday’s Premier League encounter with Aston Villa, Wedensday’s EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the FA Cup third-round tie versus Watford on January 9 – all three games are at home.
Along with the ban and fine, Cavani must also complete a ‘face-to-face’ education programme.
‘A comment posted on the Manchester United striker’s Instagram page was insulting, abusive, improper and brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3.1,’ the FA said in a statement.
‘The post also constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin.’
United said Cavani chose not to contest the charge out of respect for the FA and the “fight against racism in football”.
‘Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank-you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge,’ the Old Trafford outfit said in a statement.
‘The club trusts that the independent Regulatory Commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post.’
Cavani, who was charged for the post on December 17, had previously apologised for his post.
‘It was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game,’ he said.
‘The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone.
‘I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently.’
